Drivers ‘one of our biggest strengths’ in 2017 – Wolff

Toto Wolff feels that one of the major strengths of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team is their drivers, with both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas multiple race winners in 2017.

The Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport feels Hamilton has driven superbly this season, with four race victories to his name, including a fifth home win last time out at Silverstone, and he feels that the Briton, a three-time World Champion, is building a legacy for himself within Formula 1’s elite.

“Our drivers have been one of our biggest strengths so far,” said Wolff. “Lewis has delivered some consummate performances this year in China, Canada and Silverstone in particular.

“The win in front of his home crowd was emotionally charged and I am sure he is carrying that energy with him right now. As we see almost each weekend, he is equalling and matching new records in our sport’s history – and building a legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.

“Budapest has always been a good circuit for him but, as he knows better than anybody else, the past is no guarantee of future performance. It’s all about the right preparation, hard work and delivering on the day.”

Bottas has been one of the form drivers in recent races, taking his second victory of the year in Austria and finishing on the podium in the past four races, and Wolff is looking forward to seeing how the Finn continues to develop in the second half of the season.

“In the other car, Valtteri has embodied Finnish resolve and fighting spirit,” said Wolff. “He has a fierce work ethic, steely approach and a great natural talent.

“He threw himself into the challenge of switching teams and we are now starting to see his full potential reveal itself. I have the feeling he is getting better with each passing weekend and is already a more complete driver than at the start of the season.

“I’m excited to imagine how he will continue to develop for the rest of the season.”